Rapid prototyping is one
of the most popular applications of additive manufacturing (AM), a technology used for building physical models and prototype parts
from 3D computer-aided design (CAD) and medical scan data. Unlike CNC machines tools, which
are subtractive in nature, AM systems join together liquid, powder, and
sheet materials to form complex parts. Layer by layer, they fabricate
plastic, wood, ceramic, and metal objects based on thin horizontal
cross sections taken from a computer model.

Photo of FDM Titan machine, courtesy of
Stratasys

Around the world, AM is changing
the way organizations design and manufacture products. When used correctly, it can save impressive amounts of time and money. Companies maintain
that additive processes have helped them trim weeks and even months of design and prototyping
time, while enhancing the quality of their products. Bringing a product
to market weeks or months before your competitors can mean the difference
between success and failure, so companies that choose to apply AM can compete
more effectively.